20 Homemade Face Packs To Remove Tan

Restore your skin's natural tone with some natural ingredients after it's seen too much sun.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Schwarzburg, MD
Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

If your skin is excessively tanned, face packs for tanned skin may help brighten the skin and minimize tan. These DIY recipes can smoothen, moisturize, and protect your skin. Tanning may also make your skin dull, and these face packs can help restore your natural glow. This article lists the 20 best natural remedies for tanned skin below. They are easy to prepare and use. Keep reading to learn how to prepare and use them.

Homemade Face Packs To Remove Tan

1. Aloe Vera, Honey, And Turmeric

Honey, turmeric, and aloe vera for tan removal face pack
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Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  •  3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
  •  2 tablespoons of honey
  •  1 teaspoon of turmeric powder

Directions

  1.  Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to form a lump-free paste.
  2.  Apply this paste to your clean, damp face.
  3.  Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  4.  Wash your face with water

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Aloe vera contains aloesin, which can have a lightening effect on the skin and treat pigmentation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that relieve burns, eczema, and wounds (1). Honey adds a natural glow to the skin, keeps it moisturized, and reduces acne and pimples (2). Turmeric can reduce facial hyperpigmentation and prevent signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles (3). It contains cuminoids, which are known for their skin-lightening, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties (4).

2. Tomato Face Pack

You Will Need

  •  3 tablespoons of tomato pulp

Directions

  1.  Place a warm, damp towel on your face for about five minutes.
  2.  After that apply the tomato pulp on your face.
  3.  Let it stay for 15-20 minutes.
  4.  Then, wash it off with water
  5.  Pat your face dry with a towel.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Tomato is a natural skin-lightening agent rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. It protects the skin from sunburn and photodamagei  XSkin changes caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. It results in premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and freckles on the skin. . Tomatoes help nourish, soothe, and rejuvenate dry skin while reducing pimples (5).

3. Milk Powder, Honey, And Lemon Juice

You Will Need

  •  2 tablespoons of milk powder
  •  1 tablespoon of honey
  •  1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Directions

  1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
  2.  Apply it to your face and wait for 30 minutes.
  3.  Wash it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Milk powder provides long-lasting nourishment to dry and rough skin. It helps lighten blemishes, spots, and hyperpigmentation and prevents acne (6). Honey moisturizes the skin and imparts a natural glow to it. Lemon exhibits antioxidant properties and can reduce excessive melanin production (1).

protip_icon Did You Know?
Egyptian queen Cleopatra is said to have regularly bathed in milk to look younger and beautiful.

4. Besan, Turmeric, And Yogurt

You Will Need

  •  1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  •  1 tablespoon of besan
  •  2 tablespoons of yogurt

Directions

  1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
  2.  Apply this paste to your face and leave it on for 30-40 minutes.
  3.  Wash it off with water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Besan (gram flour) helps remove tan and lightens the skin tone. It reduces excess oil and prevents pimples. Turmeric delays the signs of aging and treats pigmentation. It is also beneficial for reducing uneven skin tone and dullness (6). Yogurt contains lactic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids, which help moisturize and exfoliate the skin, making it soft and radiant. It exhibits mild bleaching properties that can correct skin discoloration and age spots. Yogurt or sour curd also helps prevent acne and pimples (2).

Sampurna, a skincare blogger, shared a DIY face pack recipe for instant tan removal using gram flour (besan), milk, honey, lemon juice, and turmeric. She shared her before and after photos to highlight the effectiveness of the face pack and how it helped her remove the tan while making her skin glowy and smooth. She writes, “Now see the results for yourself! I didn’t believe it myself till I saw the difference in the two pictures I took (before and after use) and the change was remarkable! You can use this face pack twice a week to remove tanning or to even get fair (i)!”

5. Coffee, Turmeric, And Curd

Curd, coffee, and turmeric as tan removal face pack
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Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  •  1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  •  1 tablespoon of coffee
  •  2 tablespoons of curd

Directions

  1.  Blend all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
  2.  Apply this paste to your face and leave it on for 30-40 minutes.
  3.  Rinse it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Coffee has antioxidant and skin-lightening properties (1). It is also said to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration with continuous usage.

protip_icon Trivia
Ancient Egyptians used ground coffee powder as an exfoliating scrub to improve skin radiance and texture, diminish puffiness, and remove dead skin cells.

6. Orange Peel And Milk

You Will Need

  •  Handful of cut orange peels
  •  1-2 tablespoon of milk

Directions

  1.  Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
  2.  Massage the mixture on your face.
  3.  Leave it on for about 10 minutes before washing it off.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Orange peel contains hesperidini  XA type of plant chemical commonly found in citrus fruits. It promotes skin healing due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. , which may help reduce melanin production. It has high antioxidant properties, which can prevent free radical damage and protect the skin (7).

7. Papaya, Lemon, and Honey

Lemon, papaya, and honey as tan removal face pack
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Image: IStock

You Will Need

  •  1 tablespoon of papaya pulp
  •  1 tablespoon of honey
  •  1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Directions

  1.  Combine all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
  2.  Apply this paste to your face and leave it on for about 10-15 minutes.
  3.  Rinse it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Papaya pulp unclogs the pores, clears acne and pimples, and reduces excess oil (8). It is also said to reduce tan and pigmentation issues, though there is not enough scientific evidence to prove the same.

8. Lemon And Sugar

Sugar and lemon for tan removal face pack
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Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  •  1 tablespoon of sugar
  •  1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Directions

  1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a paste.
  2.  Apply this paste to your face and scrub it gently.
  3.  Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes.
  4.  Rinse it off with water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Lemon contains antioxidant properties, which help lighten the skin tone. Sugar granules exfoliate your skin and clear dead cells, making it smooth and glowing.

9. Cucumber, Rose Water, And Lemon Juice

You Will Need

  •  1 tablespoon of cucumber pulp
  •  1 tablespoon of rosewater
  •  1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Directions

  1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a paste
  2.  Apply the paste to your face and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  3.  Wash it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Cucumber regulates sebum production and enhances the skin’s natural moisture level (9). Rosewater has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce photoaging effects (10).

10. Papaya And Honey

You Will Need

  •  1 tablespoon of papaya pulp
  •  1 tablespoon of honey

Directions

  1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
  2.  Apply the paste to your face.
  3.  Let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then wash it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Papaya unclogs the pores, and honey imparts a natural glow. Honey can also help protect the skin from sun damage (11).

11. Tomato, Yogurt, and Lemon Juice

You Will Need

  •  1 tablespoon lemon juice
  •  1 tablespoon yogurt
  •  1 tablespoon of mashed tomato pulp

Directions

  1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste
  2.  Apply the paste to your face and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.
  3.  Wash it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Yogurt contains lactic acid and AHAs, which keep the skin soft and glowing. Lemon has antioxidant properties, and tomato is a skin-lightening agent.

12. Aloe Vera, Masoor Daal (Red Lentil), and Tomato

You Will Need

  •  2 tablespoons of aloe gel
  •  1 tablespoon of ground red lentils
  •  1-2 tablespoons of tomato juice

Directions

  1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
  2.  Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
  3.  Rinse it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Aloe vera contains aloesin, which reduces melanin production. Tomatoes have skin-lightening properties and add a natural glow to the skin. Red lentils help brighten your skin, making it soft and smooth (12).

13. Oatmeal And Buttermilk Exfoliating Pack

You Will Need

  •  1 tablespoon of oatmeal
  •  1 tablespoon of buttermilk

Directions

  1.  Soak the oatmeal in the buttermilk for 5-10 minutes.
  2.  Apply this paste to your face and let it rest for 20 minutes.
  3.  Scrub your face gently before washing off the face pack with water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Oatmeal helps in the exfoliation of skin by removing dead cells and improves uneven skin tone (1). Buttermilk has emollient properties and helps soothe the skin (13).

14. Orange Juice And Yogurt Face Pack

You Will Need

  •  1 tablespoon of orange juice
  •  1 tablespoon of yogurt

Directions

  1.  Mix the orange juice and yogurt to form a paste.
  2.  Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for about 30-40 minutes.
  3.  Rinse it off with water

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Orange contains hesperidin, which has antioxidant properties that help reduce melanin production. Yogurt can moisturize and brighten your skin and enhance its elasticity (14).

15. Potato And Lemon Juice Face Pack

You Will Need

  •  1 tablespoon of potato juice
  •  1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Directions

  1.  Mix the juices and apply the solution to your face with a cotton pad.
  2.  Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off with water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Potato juice acts as an anti-aging agent and helps soothe minor skin burns (15).

16. Strawberry And Milk Cream Face Pack

You Will Need

  •  1 tablespoon of mashed strawberry
  •  1 tablespoon of milk cream

Directions

  1.  Combine all the ingredients to form a paste.
  2.  Massage this paste on your face.
  3.  Leave it on for about 30 minutes.
  4.  Wash it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Strawberries protect the skin from UV damage and reduce the signs of aging (16), (17). Anecdotal evidence also suggests that they have a bleaching effect on the skin, which may help with removing tan.

17. Sandalwood And Coconut Water Face Pack

You Will Need

  •  1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder
  •  2 tablespoons of coconut water

Directions

  1.  Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
  2.  Apply this paste to your face and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
  3.  Rinse it off with warm water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Sandalwood exfoliates the skin and helps lighten the skin tone. It provides anti-aging benefits and smoothens and hydrates the skin (18).

18. Saffron And Fresh Cream Face Pack

You Will Need

  •  1 teaspoon of saffron
  •  1 tablespoon of fresh cream

Directions

  1.  Combine all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
  2.  Massage this paste on your face.
  3.  Leave it on for about 15-25 minutes.
  4.  Wash it off with cool water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Saffron can help lighten the skin tone and make it glow (19). Anecdotal evidence suggests that fresh cream moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

19. Multani Mitti And Aloe Vera Gel Face Pack

Aloe vera and Multani mitti for tan removal face pack
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Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  •  2 tablespoons of aloe gel
  •  1 tablespoon of Fuller’s earth/Multani mitti

Directions

  1.  Mix the aloe gel and Fuller’s earth to form a smooth paste.
  2.  Apply this paste to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
  3.  Rinse it off with warm water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Multani mitti or Fuller’s earth leaves the skin radiant and glowing and soothes irritated and inflamed skin. It also removes excess oil, dirt, impurities, and dead cells from the skin (6).

20. Cinnamon Face Pack

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons of honey

Directions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl to form a smooth paste.
  2. Cleanse your face to ensure it is free of any dirt and impurities.
  3. Apply this paste to your face and let it sit on your skin for about 15–20 minutes.
  4. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties (20). It may help improve blood circulation in the skin and boost skin glow. On the other hand, lemon juice is rich in vitamin C that is known for its skin-brightening properties (21). It may also help lighten dark spots and skin tan. The moisturizing properties of honey soothe the skin (22).

Here are some additional tips to protect your skin from getting tanned.

Tips To Prevent Your Skin From Getting Tanned

  1.  Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when going outdoors. Sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays and the damage they cause.
  2.  Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours for best results.
  3.  Do not stay outdoors under the sun for long hours.
  4.  Wear protective gear like a hat or scarf and full-sleeved clothes to prevent tanning.
  5.  Avoid swimming for too long during summer or sunny days. If you do swim, make sure to apply a waterproof sunscreen 20-30 minutes before jumping into the pool.
  6.  Opt for de-tanning facials at least once a month. These facials not only remove tan but also nourish the skin.

Wondering how long it takes for a tan to fade? Check out the next section for the answer.

How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of A Tan?

A suntan takes close to 10 days to begin fading and a month to disappear completely. Once you notice the tan, opt for de-tanning treatments or use DIY face packs to reduce it quickly.

Some people argue that tanning your skin has benefits. Here are some scientifically-proven benefits of a sun tan.

Is Tanning Good For The Skin?

Around 37-49% of women from Europe and America prefer to get tanned. Tanning may also enhance your appearance.

According to the 2020 National Health Interview Survey, 33.7% of US adults reported actively tanning outside in 2019. The percentage of women (38.7%) involved in outdoor tanning was more than men (28.7%). Adults under the age of 25 years (45.1%) preferred outdoor tanning than adults over 25 years (32%).

While a UV-induced tan provides the base SPF 3-4 protection, it is not strong enough to hold back all the side effects of UV exposure (23). While SPF 3-4 protects the skin from sunburn, it only blocks about 65% of the damage caused by UV exposure.

However, there are a few side effects of tanning. Let’s see what they are in the next section.

Side Effects Of A Sun Tan

While a regular tan might look gorgeous, over tanning may lead to skin issues. Here are a few of them:

  • Overexposure to the sun’s rays may lead to serious health conditions like skin cancer and melanomai  XA type of skin cancer caused by melanin-producing cells that give color to the skin. It can spread to other parts of the body. .
  •  Frequent exposure to the sun also increases skin aging, leaving the skin vulnerable to damage.
  •  Regular exposure to the sun may also cause photodamage. Photoaging damage includes signs of aging like wrinkles, collagen breakdown, and an increase in oxidative production.
  •  It also breaks down collagen in the skin, and increases free radical production, leaving the skin prone to oxidative damage.

Infographic: Sun Tan Removal Treatments

It’s a common misconception that sun tanning cannot be reversed. But in addition to home remedies, various treatments and solutions are available to diminish the pigmentation induced by sun tan. Some of the most effective methods for removing tan from your skin are listed in the infographic below. Take a look.

sun tan removal treatments (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Prolonged sun exposure leads to an uneven skin tone or tan. Sun tanning may lead to adverse effects like dull skin and early onset of aging. You can use a de-tan face pack to reduce the tan naturally. Follow our simple face pack recipes to revitalize your skin. These remedies are effective as they use natural ingredients that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. They add a radiant glow to your skin and make it firm by boosting collagen production. Their anti-pigmentary action also reduces hyperpigmentation on your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which face pack is best for tan removal and glowing skin?

Face packs containing natural ingredients like lemon, papaya, and tomato or chemical ingredients like lactic acid, niacinamidei  XA form of vitamin B3, a water-soluble ingredient widely used in skin care formulations. It helps hydrate and brighten the skin. , and arbutini  XA naturally occurring substance that is also chemically synthesized to be used in skincare products. It helps brighten the skin. are highly effective for tan removal and glowing skin.

How can I remove tan from my face quickly?

You can use lemon juice mixed with honey to remove tan from your face quickly.

Can Kasturi Manjal remove tan?

Yes, Kasturi Manjal (wild turmeric) can help remove tan and even out your skin tone with regular use.

Key Takeaways

  • Usually, a suntan takes 10 days to one month to disappear completely, but using homemade face packs can give quick results.
  • Aloe vera, turmeric, honey, curd, orange peel, papaya, and lemon are some effective natural solutions to get rid of a tan.
  • Tanning too often can speed up skin aging and cause skin cancer.

Bid farewell to stubborn tans with these tried-and-true home remedies. From natural ingredients to easy DIY techniques, discover effective ways to restore your skin’s radiance. Watch now and say hello to a glowing complexion!

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

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  2. Development Of Herbal Facial Mask Cream From Suan Sunandha Palace Facial Beauty
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  5. Lycopene’s Antioxidant Activity In Cosmetics Meadow
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  13. Concept Of Beauty And Ayurveda Medicine
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  15. Health Benefits And Cons Of Solanum Tuberosum
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  18. White Sandal (santalum Album L.) A Precious Medicinal And Timber Yielding Plant : A Short Review
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  19. Study Of Crocus Sativus As Complexion Promoter In Skin Care
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  20. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) Bark Extract after In Vitro Digestion Simulation
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